There are six games on the NBA preseason slate tonight. However, two of those six games feature an international opponent. Therefore, there’s some intriguing action on the slate for tonight.
Let’s enjoy it and cash in on some tickets.
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Monday’s Best NBA Preseason Bets
Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook | All wagers are for 1 unit
Ra’Anana vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
Ra’Anana didn’t play all that poorly against the Nets in their first preseason game. They lost 135-103, only losing by 32. It sounds like a lot, but many international teams have lost these games by nearly 50 points over the years. This team has many familiar faces, including Dwayne Bacon and Quinndary Witherspoon. But they also played a lot of their depth for that game.
Meanwhile, the Cavaliers have dropped two games to begin their Preseason. They’ve allowed 108 points in both games and fell to the Magic and Hawks by one score. Donovan Mitchell and the starters are struggling from the floor. But Dean Wade and Emoni Bates contributed off the bench. Those two should have big days as well tonight.
If you can grab the Cavaliers at -40 or better, I’d grab it.
Bet: Cavaliers -36.5 (-110)
Atlanta Hawks vs. Indiana Pacers
Atlanta is 3-0 in the Preseason. I bet they wish this were the regular season now! The Hawks have scored at least 103 in each game and have escaped with close victories in all three games against the Cavaliers, Grizzlies, and Pelicans. Trae Young will likely see about 20 minutes. However, the bench has reliable players, including Jalen Johnson, who added 12 on 5-for-9 from the floor against the Pelicans.
On the other hand, the Pacers lost to Houston, 122-103, to go 0-2 in the Preseason. Aaron Nesmith, Ben Sheppard, and Jalen Smith were special off the bench. However, only Benedict Mathurin added double figures for the starters. Give me the Hawks to earn another win.
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Brooklyn Nets
The 76ers are 0-2 to begin the Preseason after two losses to the Celtics. The 76ers are probably distracted a bit, knowing James Harden is about to leave the team for the Clippers. Harden hasn’t played yet, and Joel Embiid hasn’t played in any games, either. However, the addition of Kelly Oubre Jr. looks really good. He came off the bench and scored 18 points in 22 minutes. The Sixers needed some depth off the bench. He’ll provide it.
Meanwhile, the Nets won against Ra’Anana, 135-103, to go 1-1 in Preseason. Miles Bridges had a field day from downtown, while Ben Simmons earned nine assists in just 22 minutes of action. The Nets have guys like Lonnie Walker IV and Trendon Watford coming off the bench. I think the Nets are much deeper, especially if the Sixers don’t have any stars on the floor.
Bet: Nets +2.5 (-110)
Houston Rockets vs. San Antonio Spurs
Houston has had so much young talent and depth but hasn’t lived up to any hype. This year, that might change. The Rockets have won two Preseason games, including double-digit wins against the Pacers and Pelicans. Jabari Smith Jr. just scored 22 points on 9-for-13 from the floor. He’ll be someone to watch this season, along with Jalen Green, who could break out in his third season.
On the other hand, the Spurs have Victor Wembanyama, and he proved just how valuable he is in the last game against the Heat. He was making typical turnaround jumpers into dunks. He and Devin Vassell will do most of the scoring for this team. Vassell couldn’t miss from downtown, while Wembanyama was elite around the rim.
Both teams have exciting young talent that can score at will. However, the Rockets have more reliable talent right now. They’re also playing at a much higher level.
Bet: Rockets -4.5 (-110)
New Zealand Breakers vs. Utah Jazz
In their first international game, the Breakers lost to the Portland Trail Blazers, 106-66. Unlike Ra’Anana, New Zealand’s team doesn’t have many recognizable faces from the college or NBA days. They only had three players come off the bench that scored a single point. Meanwhile, the Jazz added 138 in a 138-133 win over the Blazers last time out. The Jazz have guys like Colin Sexton and Keyonte George coming off the bench. That depth is going to take control against New Zealand in this game.
The Jazz should handle New Zealand easily.
Bet: Jazz -37.5 (-110)
Portland Trail Blazers vs. Phoenix Suns
Portland began the Preseason with a win against New Zealand. But they haven’t been able to win against NBA talent like the Suns and Jazz. The Blazers will rely heavily on Scoot Henderson and Shaeden Sharpe. Jerami Grant is also their highest-paid player, while Anfernee Simons will likely lead this team in points. They’ll take on the Suns for the second straight game after a 122-111 loss. Phoenix sat Bradey Beal but allowed Devin Booker and Kevin Durant in the action. The starters are great, but the depth for Phoenix is weak because the Suns went heavy for Beal and Durant. Ensure at least two of the three premier players are starting for the Suns. I think Portland’s got more depth the deeper we go down the lineups.
I’ll back the Blazers despite last game’s result.
Bet: Blazers +5.5 (-110)
Before making your bets, please be advised that many players in these preseason games will be game-time decisions and could be ruled out after the submission of this article.
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